How to Season Grill Grates: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to Season Grill Grates: A Step-by-Step Guide
Did you know you can season your cast iron grill grates just like your cast iron pans? In fact learning how to season your grill grates will save you time and money on maintenance. Whether your using a new grill for the first time, or sprucing up Old Faithful, seasoning is a simple process that enhances your grilling experience. In this guide we will walk you through the steps of hot to season your grill grates to create a non-stick surface that will prevent rust and level up your grilling game. We will even include product recommendations with affiliate links to amazon, making it easier than ever to have everything you need.
Before The Transformation: The Dirty Grill Challenge
Seasoning your grates will step up your outdoor cooking experience in more ways than one. Ask any cast iron lover and they will tell you that seasoning is the key to unlocking several benefits:
Non-Stick Surface: Properly seasoned grates prevent food from sticking. This will make grilling and cleaning much easier. Everyone loves some good grill marks and nothing ruins the aesthetic more than when they stick to the grates and rip right off. Not to mention the risk of pests that comes with leaving bits of food stuck to your grill grates.
Rust Prevention: A layer of seasoning helps protect the metal from moisture, an absolute must when living close to the beach. The salty sea air and that crisp marine layer rolling in every morning is wonderful for the skin and hair but wreaks havoc on your grill gates.
Improved Flavor: Seasoning creates a flavor-enhancing layer that only gets better with each use. If you want to add a smoky depth to your meals, seasoning your grill grates is the way to go. If your gran’s decades-old cast iron makes your breakfast scrambles that much better, imagine what your brisket will be like after seasoning your grates!
Extended Grill Life: Well-seasoned grates maintain their integrity for longer, prolonging their lifespan and saving you money on costly replacements. When grease and grime stick to your grates, they will slowly corrode them. Knowing how to season your grill grates reduces the risk of corrosion.
Supplies for Grill Seasoning: What You'll Need.
Before you get started, you’ll need the following supplies:
- High-heat cooking Oil such as vegetable, canola, or avocado oil. You’ll want to avoid anything with a low smoking point like olive oil or flaxseed.
- A grill brush or your preferred method of cleaning. (if you’re looking for some help, give us a call!)
- Paper towels or clean cloth
- Aluminum foil
- Heat resistant gloves.
How to Season Your Grill Grates Step-by-Step
Clean the grates:
Before you can get started with seasoning, your grill grates must be thoroughly cleaned. To remove any food particles, use a sturdy brush or scrubber, followed by a soak in warm soapy water and another scrub. Rinse them completely and lay them out to dry.
Apply the oil
It is imperative to choose a high-heat cooking oil with a high smoke point. Grapeseed or canola oil do wonderfully in this because they can withstand the high temperatures without burning off. You’ll want to pour a small amount onto the paper towel or clean cloth and rub it evenly over the grates. Coat all areas, including the bottoms and between the grates themselves.
Pro Tip: Too much oil can be just as bad as too little! Avoid excess oil that can pool and cause flare-ups during the seasoning process.
Heat the Grill
Preheat your grill to about 400-450 degrees. Close the lid and let the grill heat up with the grates inside fr 15-20 minutes. This process will bond the oil to the metal to create the protective layer we are looking for.
Repeat the process:
For the best results, you’ll want to repeat this process 2-3 times. The more durable the coating, the better it’s protection and the longer it will last. After the final round, let the grill cool completely to set the seasoning before cooking on it.
Regular Maintenance:
To help maintain the seasoning on your grill grates, apply a light coat of oil after each use while they are still warm. This will help to preserve the non-stick coating and prevent rust.
It's Grilling Time.
Ready to season your grill grates but don't know where to start? A clean grill is the key to getting a good non-stick coating. For help deep cleaning your grill, check out our services and give us a call for your free quote today.
Learning how to season your grill grates is a simple but effective way to maintain your BBQ and level up your grilling game. With the right tools and know-how you can enjoy the benefits of a non-stick rust resistant grilling surface and all the wonderful meals that come with it.
